Weeks of excitement and anticipation for EcoCash users in Rusape ended in anger and frustration after the highly-publicized Chakachaya promotion finale left many participants feeling “cheated and misled.”
The promotion, run by Econet Wireless, was billed as a points-based competition where subscribers earned points through EcoCash transactions, with the promise that these points would boost their chances of winning big in a final draw.
For weeks, from young entrepreneurs to market vendors, Rusape residents poured money and energy into transacting, encouraged by regular SMS reminders from Econet urging them to accumulate points.
Hopes were high that loyalty and usage would translate into meaningful rewards.
But when the much-awaited final day arrived, subscribers say the event turned out to be a glorified roadshow rather than a transparent raffle.
Prizes were reportedly handed to individuals who answered trivia questions or danced on stage, leaving high-point earners stunned.
“It was not what we were promised,” said EcoCash user Tinashe Chiriga, who had accumulated nearly 900 points.
“I thought the more points you had, the better your chances. But what I saw was just a show. We feel robbed.”
An egg vendor, who identified herself only as Mai Chikomo, echoed the outrage:
“I had almost 500 points, and I believed I stood a real chance. But all we saw were prizes going to those who entertained the crowd. That was not fair.”
As reported by Post on Sunday, many subscribers described the finale as “entertainment-driven” rather than reward-based, with several accusing Econet of misleading communication during the campaign.
Consumer rights advocates in Rusape have since weighed in, warning that the lack of transparency in promotions by major corporations risks eroding public trust.
“If customers are told to accumulate points, then those points should determine the outcome. Otherwise, it’s misleading,” one advocate argued.
Some disgruntled subscribers have gone as far as calling on Econet to compensate loyal customers who amassed hundreds of points but walked away empty-handed.
Others are demanding a formal explanation on how winners were truly selected.
At the time of publishing, Econet Wireless had not issued an official response, although messages seen by this publication confirm that subscribers were urged to “keep transacting to increase their chances of winning” until the very last day.
Whether this was a case of poor communication or deliberate marketing, the fallout in Rusape has left a sour taste in the mouths of EcoCash users who expected more from Zimbabwe’s leading mobile money operator.
